Electronic Timepiece Indicator Position Detection Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepiece indicator position detection methods are inefficient, leading to prolonged detection times due to the need for continuous operation of detection mechanisms each time the indicator moves, which increases the overall detection duration.
Innovation Solution
An electronic timepiece with a control circuit that operates in two modes: a first mode where the indicator is driven continuously until detected, and a second mode where the indicator is alternately driven and the light emitter is used to detect the indicator's position after it has passed the reference point, reducing detection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the indicator position detection means is operated each time the indicator moves one step, then the indicator position can be detected accurately, but the detection time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by switching between two detection modes: a first mode for rapid initial detection and a second mode for precise step-by-step detection. The control circuit periodically alternates between continuous indicator driving with intermittent light emitter activation (first mode) and alternating indicator driving with light emitter activation (second mode), thereby achieving both speed and accuracy in indicator position detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the detection system adaptable and changeable between different operational states. The control circuit dynamically switches between the first detection mode (continuous driving, intermittent detection) and the second detection mode (alternating driving and detection) based on the detection progress, allowing the system to optimize its performance characteristics during the detection process
2Measurement precision
If the light emitter is continuously activated to detect the indicator, then detection precision is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces energy consumption by applying periodic action to the light emitter activation. In the first detection mode, the light emitter is activated only intermittently during continuous indicator driving, rather than continuously. This periodic activation maintains sufficient detection precision while significantly reducing the energy consumption of the light emitter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action in the detection process by ensuring that the light emitter is activated at appropriate intervals during continuous indicator driving. This ensures that detection capability is continuously available when needed, while avoiding unnecessary continuous activation that would waste energy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly shortens the time required to detect the indicator's position without compromising detection precision, improving the efficiency and speed of the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector configured to detect light emitted from the light emitter selectively when the indicator is at a reference position
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic timepiece that shortens the time from starting to completing indicator position detection. The electronic timepiece 1 an indicator 11; an actuator 12 that drives the indicator 11; a light emitter 21; a photodetector 22 that detects light emitted from the light emitter 21 selectively when when the indicator 11 is at a reference position; and a control circuit 35 that executes a first mode to drive the indicator 11 continuously in one direction until the indicator 11 is detected while the light emitter 21 is emitting, and a second mode to alternately drive the indicator 11 and drive the light emitter 21 to emit to detect the indicator 11 at the reference position after the photodetector 22 detects light in the first mode and the indicator 11 has past the reference position.